To congratulate the Chicago Bulls on winning the 1998 National Basketball Association Championship.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 16, 1998

Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN (for herself and Mr. DURBIN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

To congratulate the Chicago Bulls on winning the 1998 National Basketball Association Championship.

Whereas the Chicago Bulls, despite injuries to Scottie Pippen and Luc Longley, went 62-20 and tied for the best regular season record in the National Basketball Association;

Whereas the Bulls battled through the playoffs, sweeping the New Jersey Nets and defeating the Charlotte Hornets in 5 games, before beating the Indiana Pacers in 7 games to return to the NBA Finals for the third straight year;

Whereas the Bulls displayed stifling defense throughout the playoffs before beating the Utah Jazz to repeat the 3-peat and win their third consecutive NBA championship, their sixth in the last 8 years;

Whereas head coach Phil Jackson and the entire coaching staff skillfully led the Bulls through an injury riddled 62-win season and a 15-6 playoff run;

Whereas Michael Jordan won his fifth most valuable player award, and he, along with Scottie Pippen, were again named to the NBA’s ‘All-Defensive First Team’;

Whereas Michael Jordan won his record tenth scoring title and was named the NBA Finals most valuable player for the sixth time in 6 appearances in the finals;

Whereas Scottie Pippen again exhibited his outstanding offensive and defensive versatility, proving himself to be one of the best all-around players in the NBA;

Whereas the quickness, tireless defensive effort, and athleticism of the colorful Dennis Rodman, who won his seventh straight rebounding title, keyed a strong Bulls front line;

Whereas Toni Kukoc displayed his awesome variety of offensive skills in both assisting on, and hitting, several big shots when the Bulls needed them most;

Whereas veteran guard Ron Harper, in shutting down many of the league’s top point guards throughout the playoffs, demonstrated the defensive skills that have made him a cornerstone of the league’s best defense;

Whereas center Luc Longley frustrated many of the all-star caliber centers that he faced while at times providing a much needed scoring lift;

Whereas Steve Kerr buried several 3-pointers when the Bulls needed them most;

Whereas the outstanding play of Jud Buechler, Scott Burrell, and Bill Wennington and the tenacious defense of Randy Brown, each of whom came off the bench to provide valuable contributions, were an important part of each Bulls victory; and

Whereas the contributions of Dickey Simpkins and rookies Rusty LaRue and Keith Booth, both on the court and in practice, again demonstrated the total devotion of Bulls personnel to the team concept that has made the Bulls one of the great sports dynasties of modern times: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the Chicago Bulls on winning the 1998 National Basketball Association championship.